Glenview approves expanded downtown use, but some businesses want more

March 27, 2013|By Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune reporter

Glenview Coin & Collectibles Owner John Kozicki, right, helps customer Pete Peterson, a Wheeling resident, on March 26. Kozicki said he believes the village should expand the zoning code of downtown beyond what it recently passed. (Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune)

The Glenview board of trustees changed the downtown zoning code, expanding the possible ways that space can be used, but some residents and officials want to see even more done to spur growth in the struggling area.

The amendment, approved by a 4-3 vote on March 19, was aimed to support a pedestrian-friendly downtown environment and now allows for fitness clubs, health and beauty services, dry cleaning, art studios and other businesses to move into the area.

"From everything that I've heard in the community," said Village Trustee Deborah Karton during the trustees meeting. "We have nothing to be but optimistic."

However, the amendment does not include banks, the practices of doctors and dentists, or commercial office space.

Karton, Trustee Michael Jenny and Trustee Paul Detlefs and Village President Kerry Cummings, said the amendment promotes a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

"I'm sympathetic of the views of the chamber and other residents," Jenny said. "… I think for now we should expand it the way it is."

But Trustee Philip White, as well as trustees Scott Britton and Pat Cuisinier, were skeptical and wanted to add the other uses.

"I just don't think we're there yet," Cuisinier said. "I think we have to broaden the availability of the space."

White agreed that the uses should be expanded as well.

"We should've gone further," he said.

Greg Goodsitt, a member of the Glenview Chamber of Commerce board of directors,said the trustees might have too positive of an outlook on the future because of upcoming developments in the area, including a proposed four-story building downtown.

"I understand the other side," Goodsitt said. "But it's unclear what is going to happen in the future and what the right answer is."

Brian Barrett, vice president of Commercial Brokerage, said he was disappointed with the trustees' final vote.

"I think Glenview is treating downtown like it's a dollhouse," said Barrett, who attended the meeting.

John Kozicki, an owner of Glenview Coin & Collectibles, said he has operated in the downtown area for about 29 years and remembers when businesses first started moving out.

"I've seen lots of things come and go," Kozicki said, adding that he is thankful his business has been doing well, despite the recent recession.

Because of a possibility of anything similar happening in the future, Kozicki said he believes the village trustees should open up the downtown to as many businesses as they can.

But Kozicki said he also feels a bit of optimism, similar to some of the village trustees, because of Glenview's upcoming development.

"I feel that things have turned around," Kozicki said. "We're going to be getting new stores in our area soon. Those are going to be big positives for Glenview."